To block my front door?

[SeaSunSand]

I only ever use my back door. I have a designated parking space at the back of my house so always enter/exit the back way. I have a note on my front door asking delivery people to walk down to the back. It's literally 10 seconds away from front door, as it's a side gate. Hard to describe but this isn't the point.

I would like to put a shelving unit up in my hall to put boxes on for shoes, scarfs, bags etc. Only place for one though would block the front door. Is this wrong? It could be dragged away quickly if a fire but primary fire escape route would be through the back anyway as its furthest from the kitchen, where a fire is most likely.
Thoughts please?

Please don’t do that. Yes, I know people live in flats with only one exit but you have two. Don’t risk it. A fire won’t always start in a kitchen and you are blocking the door for emergency services if they are trying to enter.

But I fully expect others to disagree. Keep your exits clear.

I second keeping the exit clear in case of fire.

You might know that the back door is your primary entrance, but firefighters trying to smash your front door open to save you won't know that and the shelves will slow them down. I don't even leave a clothes air dryer temporarily blocking my exits at night. When your house is filled with smoke and you're terrified you need a clear path out. It's not worth the risk.

Fire and smoke are known for disorientating people. Keep your exits clear.

That would be very silly.

Apart from the reasons above, it would also look ridiculous

I lived in a house where the front door was boarded up on the inside. It caused endless confusion for deliveries. Best avoided.

Your house, your choice. Most people realistically have one route out if a fire starts at night (the door by the stairs).

The delivery people obviously already use your back door so that's not a consideration.

Surely a fire risk

I'd get nervous. I don't want to be pulling things away from a door in a fire. DH wanted to block off a front door with the sofa in our old house because we always, always used the back, but I wouldn't let him. Chances are it would never be an issue but the fear would prevent me.

Very silly idea.

Don't ever block a fire exit. Fires can start anywhere in the house and you need to be able to get out as quickly as possible.

People won't think and act "naturally" if they're panicking because their house is on fire.

My aunt lived in a similar set up. A fire started in a plug socket near her back door. She'd be dead if she hadn't been able to get out the other door.

Also if anyone ever needs to get in during an emergency you're potentially stopping them.

Could you create a door that includes the shelf? So still openable but the shelf is part of the door:

images.app.goo.gl/wMvpWm2YtTnu8A3j8

If you are going to block it, get rid of the door completely and plan the space properly to avoid confusion.

You could use door hanging racks for your bits and pieces over the back of the door, that'd leave it clear to be smashed open in an emergency.

I've moved clients doors in house replans because they have changed the way they use a house and it was initially confusing.
In terms of fire safety as long as the layout makes sense and you have alternatives i.e windows big enough to escape through then it wouldn't be an issue.

Blocking an emergency exit/entrance is likely to invalidate the buildings and contents insurance policy. If your place is rented, the LL would have a fit if tenants put his investment and cover at risk. . If you have a mortgage lender, read their T and C; they will certainly require you to keep the building insured with a valid policy.

I only use the back door too, my front's not entirely blocked off but couldn't open it normally without moving a sofa. Small room means I don't have much choice

Absurd idea. Two doors gives you two opportunities to escape in case of fire.

Do you only have wiring in your kitchen? I assumed the rest of your house would also have electrical wiring, which can catch fire. If you have 2 exits then keep 2 exits.
If the fire department ever need to get in, they wont know they can come in through the front door. You're just adding time onto how long it takes for you to get help.

Don't reduce your chances of being able to get out in an emergency.